BGMEA wants France to take steps against ‘Made in Bangladesh’ remark

The BGMEA has urged the French ambassador in Bangladesh to take steps for correcting derogatory remarks about “Made in Bangladesh” in a newly released French movie.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan wrote a letter to Jean-Marin SCHUH on Wednesday making a further request for the latter’s action concerning the matter.

The movie, Last Mercenary, directed by David Charon, was released on Netflix on July 30.

“Made in Bangladesh is more than just a pride for our nation, but rather a mission statement, with the ultimate goal of branding Bangladesh around the globe. Over the 50 years of independence of Bangladesh, which was earned by the sacrifice of millions, the RMG sector has become one of the major drivers of our economy and its journey over the last three decades have been praiseworthy amongst the other economies as well,” he said.

“We have stood against all odds to make our RMG sector safer, secured, greener and sustainable in all aspects, ensuring all safety standards are met and only the best business practices are involved.

“In such a turn of events, with the Covid-19 hitting every sector of the business world badly, when the Bangladeshi RMG sector is turning back, while the international market regains its usual pace, such an unwarranted, objectionable and oblivious comment made on our very own brand is simply unacceptable.”

Faruque said although the BGMEA, on behalf of the whole apparel fraternity, earlier addressed the concern to the chief executive officer of Netflix and the director of the movie, the association is yet to get any response from them.

“The movie continues to be in the playlist of Netflix and that too containing the impugned lines in it,” he said adding “we are greatly aggrieved by this action.”

The comments made (in the movie) are totally incorrect, he said, as “Bangladesh does not produce bullet-proof jackets at all.”

“We condemn this and further extend our hand in making a stronger plea, from your bench, to the French government and their film fraternity to take immediate action to remove the statement in question.”

In early August, the BGMEA president wrote to US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller drawing his attention to the movie.

As Netflix is a US company and run from the USA, the association requested the ambassador to convey their

vehement protest to Netflix for releasing the movie without censoring the derogatory remarks about “Made in Bangladesh”.